Aspetar Magazine

48 ASPETAR MAGAZINE COVER STORY You represented Qatar in both tennis and padel. What moments stand out most for you? Without a doubt, qualifying for the Padel World Cup as the first Arab team in history was a milestone. Representing Qatar at that level is my proudest achievement. On a personal note, I’m also proud to still be ranked among the world’s top 250 players at the age of 42. I originally transitioned from tennis to padel in 2017. Tennis is a very demanding sport - physically, mentally, and financially. When I started working and studying, it became difficult to continue competing professionally. Then my brother Abdulaziz introduced padel to Qatar, and I instantly connected with it. It gave me a renewed purpose and a chance to inspire younger athletes, including my three sons. Injuries are part of an athlete’s life. How important was Aspetar in your recovery? No athlete likes injuries but knowing that Aspetar exists gives us confidence. My first experience was back in 1996 after I fractured my hand during the Arab Tennis Championship. Since then, Aspetar has become like a second home to me. The most memorable moment was in 2022. Just 45 days before the Gulf Games in Kuwait, I suffered a hamstring tear. As captain, my absence would have been a huge blow Aspetar has become like a second home to me. to the team. I worked with Aspetar specialists daily, sometimes twice a day. By the grace of God, I recovered in time, competed, and helped Qatar win its first-ever gold medal in padel. Aspetar is now globally recognised. How do international athletes see it? When world-class stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Yaya Touré come to Aspetar, they are amazed. Many have told me: “We’ve never seen facilities like this.” That is the reputation Aspetar has built today—it is not just the best in the Middle East, it is truly one of the best in the world. The hospital’s partnerships with clubs and federations, including Paris Saint- Germain and several national teams, further reinforce that global trust.